Student Placements Profile: Steve Barber

09 October 2017

In the second of two blogs exploring student placements at Prysmian, Steven Barber talks through his experience with the organisation after completing his placement back in 2002. Having been with the company now for over fifteen years, Steve’s story demonstrates the long-term benefits of student placements and the wealth of opportunities they can open up for young people. It also demonstrates Prysmian’s commitment to the retention of young talent.

“The industry is constantly evolving and younger people are fundamental to bringing about that change,” says Steve. “The new thoughts, ideas and perspectives that are offered up by our students are transformational and key to securing our position in cable manufacturing as a market leader.” Having secured a permanent role after completing his university degree in Business Studies at Southampton Solent, Steve is well placed to understand the positive impact of placements for both students and employers alike.

Steve finished his placement with Prysmian in 2002 and stayed in touch with the contacts he’d made during his time working at the company. The level of responsibility and considerable opportunities to get involved in projects at Prysmian during his placement set Steve up for future professional success. “It was a proper job from the get go,” says Steve, “and I was able to put a lot into the job and, in turn, get a lot out of it.”

“I felt like I was able to really contribute to the overall success of the business despite being in a junior position. It was a real learning opportunity, which is rare with student placements, where far too many young people unfortunately get stuck simply doing the tea rounds in the office. It was this level of responsibility and opportunity to get stuck in that made me want to pursue opportunities with Prysmian after graduating.

“I treated the year-long placement more like a year-long interview and tried to prove my worth to the company throughout my time there. Luckily it paid off as I’m still here fifteen years later!”

A wealth of opportunity awaits young people who come to Prysmian for their placement year. As a company with a truly global reach, your year placement with us could open up doors across the globe in a rewarding, challenging and collaborative work environment. And, as in Steve’s case, it could open up a long-term career path for the future.